eFM News

Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris has highlighted the importance of combined exercises between Seoul and Washington amid North Korea's threat to continue developing its nuclear capabilities.

Harris made the remarks Tuesday during a webinar co-hosted by the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation and the Korea Defense Veterans Association.

Harris said, "While we hope for diplomacy with North Korea to be successful, we all can recognize that hope alone is not a course of action," citing the North's "unrelenting pursuit of nuclear weapons" and what he described as China's "malign activities."

A day earlier, President Moon Jae-in said the two Koreas can discuss issues regarding the allies' combined military exercises, if necessary, in response to Pyongyang's repeated calls to halt the joint maneuvers.

On the transition of wartime operational control of South Korean troops from Washington to Seoul, Harris said, "Our mutual security cannot be rushed. We want and need to take time to get this right."

President Moon is seeking a conditions-based OPCON transfer before his term ends in May 2022.

The ambassador also stressed the importance of cooperation among South Korea, the U.S. and Japan amid concerns Seoul-Tokyo relations could deteriorate further following a recent court ruling on Japan's wartime sexual slavery issue.

Harris explained that the reality is no important security or economic issue in the region can be addressed without the two Asian countries.

During the event, Harris also assured that going forward, the Joe Biden administration will continue efforts to further strengthen the U.S.-South Korea alliance.

Harris on Wednesday will depart from the ambassadorial post which he assumed in July 2018.

Rob Rapson, the deputy chief of mission, will serve as charge d'affaires ad interim until a new U.S. envoy arrives.